A powerful and transformational preacher, Bob Ritsema pastored six congregations and served one outreach ministry. He died Oct. 29, 2024, at age 80.
In Memoriam
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In Memoriam: Rev. Peter P. Kranenburg
1929-2025READ MOREA pastor and chaplain who nurtured many interests, Peter Kranenburg's life was defined by the power and grace of Jesus Christ. He died Jan. 7 at age 95.
In Memoriam: Thomas Ray Dykstra
1955-2025READ MOREAs a pastor and chaplain, Tom Dykstra consistently demonstrated his faithfulness, dedication, and compassion for others. He died Jan. 3, at age 69.
In Memoriam: Rev. William (Bill) Dykstra
1939-2024READ MOREAt the recent celebration of life service for Bill Dykstra, a friend described the big smile Bill always had when he told the story of how God led him into lifelong ministry.
In Memoriam: Rev. Henry Eshuis
1934-2024READ MOREPastor Henry Eshuis, compassionate, thoughtful, and caring to all he encountered, died Dec. 2, 2024. He was 90.
In Memoriam: Rev. Arthur Schoonveld
1936-2024READ MOREAdventurous and service-oriented, Art Schoonveld was a pastor who looked out for others and stood up for what he believed. He died Nov. 16 at age 88.
In Memoriam: Rev. Louis M. Tamminga
1930 -2024READ MORE“Through and through a pastor,” Rev. Louis Tamminga died Nov. 11 at age 94. He had served the denomination in pastor-church relations, as a longtime Banner contributor, and a pastor to missionaries.
In Memoriam: Rev. Sidney Cooper
1930-2024READ MOREA wise and confident leader who modeled for others his deep love for the Lord and for his people, Sid Cooper died Nov. 13 at age 94.
In Memoriam: Rev. Jacob Peter Heerema
1937-2024READ MOREA pastor, chaplain and past Chaplaincy director who “would go out of his way to connect with people that most of us would overlook,” Jake Heerema died Oct. 11 at age 87.
In Memoriam: Rev. Norman Edmund Jones
1931-2024READ MOREA member, in his retirement, of Aylmer (Ont.) Christian Reformed Church, Norman Jones was described at his funeral as “beloved pastor to the entire town.”
In Memoriam: Rev. Anthony (Tony) Begay
1938-2024READ MOREPastor, chaplain, and Lt. Colonel (Ret.) Anthony Begay was known for his deep faith and kind and generous spirit. He died Sept. 5 at age 86.
In Memoriam: Rev. Vernon F. Geurkink
1936-2024READ MOREVern Geurkink was an academic who sought to be a person of integrity. He had a lifelong commitment to justice and mercy. Vern, 88, died Aug. 2.
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As a pastor, church planter, and home missionary, Don Griffioen spent his ministry career bringing churches together, focusing on similarities rather than differences. He died May 26 at age 92.
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A pastor who saw his calling as being “a Storyteller with a capital ‘S,’” Herm Van Niejenhuis loved to help others explore the wonder and truth of the Christian faith. He died July 24 at age 75.
In Memoriam: Rev. Anthonie Vanden Ende
1926-2024READ MOREFrom “Dominee Vanden Ende” to “Pastor Tony,” Anthonie Vanden Ende’s pastoral ministry spanned 43 years, two countries, and three Canadian provinces.
In Memoriam: Rev. Arnold Rumph
1929-2024READ MOREA pastor, missionary, and theology teacher, Arnold Rumph seemed ready at the end of his life to “dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” He died June 19 at age 94.
In Memoriam: Rev. John Boonstra
1930 - 2024READ MOREA hard-working, disciplined teacher and preacher with a dry sense of humor, John Boonstra pastored five congregations and served another six communities as an interim pastor. He died June 20 at age 93.
In Memoriam: Rev. David John Weemhoff
1954-2024READ MOREDave Weemhoff was a humble man with a ready smile and a caring and gentle spirit. He died May 2 at age 69.
In Memoriam: Rev. Scott A. DeVries
1976-2024READ MORETrained as both an engineer and a pastor, Scott DeVries had a calm demeanor and shared his strengths of patience and strategic thinking as a denominational leader.
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Tony Schweitzer was a pastor who also served outside of the church in ministries offering spiritual care and belonging for people with disabilities. He died Feb. 25 at age 81.
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A “faithful, honorable, and dependable man of God,” Dick Duifhuis died May 22, 2023. He was 86.
In Memoriam: Rev. Allan Henry Jongsma
1933-2024READ MOREA kind and approachable pastor known for his passionate preaching and pastoral heart, Allan Jongsma died Feb. 2. He was 90.
In Memoriam: Rev. Lugene (Archie) Bazuin
1926-2024READ MOREA pastor to fellow pastors, who was passionate about preaching, Archie Bazuin lived to 97 years. He died Jan. 12.
In Memoriam: Rev. H. David Schuringa
1952-2023READ MOREA pastor, seminary professor, and leader of prison ministry, David Schuringa, had a commitment to the Christian Reformed confessions and an impact beyond the denomination. He died Sept. 14, 2023, at age 70.